Gareth Barry stands firm

Aston VillaÂ’s Gareth Barry has refused to accept any forgiveness from the club and has reiterated his intent to leave the club as soon as possible.

Barry has been the centre of a row between himself and the club and he has constantly expressed the desire to leave for Liverpool.

Arsenal have also showed interest in the midfielder.

The stumbling block appears to be the ₤18 million that Villa are asking for him.

The transfer of Xabi Alonso from Liverpool to Juventus was expected to have funded the Barry deal but that appears to have fallen through.

ArsenalÂ’s Arsene Wenger may also find the asking price too high.

Aston VillaÂ’s manager Martin OÂ’Neill has two options open to him. He may be forced to lower his asking price or decide to keep a player who obviously has no intention of staying at the club which may be detrimental to club morale.